March 21, 2012 In art, communication, inspiration, intelligence, life and the universe, philosophy, presentation, work and play By Patricia Saxton

“The Happiness Advantage”

OUTSTANDING.

“Train your brain, and create ripples of positivity… ”

Unlike the stereotype of a brooding artist/musician/writer, whose greatest work comes on the back of depressing events, I’m with Shawn Anchor that happiness inspires productivity.

Anchor’s TED talk is entertaining, articulate and wise ~ and makes you feel good at the same time. A must listen!

“If we change our formula for happiness and success, what we can do, is we can change the way we can then affect reality….”

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December 12, 2010 In art, drawing, illustration, words and language By Patricia Saxton

The Power of Cartoons

A fantastic talk from TED Talks:  In a series of witty punchlines, Patrick Chappatte makes a poignant case for the power of the humble cartoon. His projects in Lebanon, West Africa and Gaza show how, in the right hands, the pencil can illuminate serious issues and bring the most unlikely people together.

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November 10, 2010 In communication, creativity, drawing, imagination, music By Patricia Saxton

Andrew Bird: One-Man Orchestra

In a word: impressive.

From TED: Musical innovator Andrew Bird winds together his trademark violin technique with xylophone, vocals and sophisticated electronic looping. Add in his uncanny ability to whistle anything, and he becomes a riveting one-man orchestra.

On a personal note, it’s interesting that I discovered this, and a few days later, my teen shared one of her favorites songs from … Andrew Bird. Bells went off, and I thought about how cool that we unknowingly shared this appreciation. I also happen to really like the cover of his CD. I’m a fan.

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August 13, 2010 In inspiration, work and play By Patricia Saxton

Go Play!

I posted this piece a little over a year ago. But as I’ve been feeling “all work and no play”, I thought it worth a repeat performance.  Sometimes you need reminding to make play a priority. So I’ll leave you with this, as I’m off … to play now!

The Importance of Playtime

dog playing frisbeeWhen was the last time you jumped up and down like a kid, or played frisbee in the rain … just for the fun of it? If you have, you’re better off.  If you haven’t, maybe it’s time!

I recently saw bits and pieces of a TV documentary about the power of play. It showed images of wild animals, who might normally be mortal enemies, engaged in play. And children, of course, using all their natural talent for having a good time.

The essential message though, was that play is not just for fun. And it’s not just for kids or animals. It’s actually really, really good for you.

And when you think of it, who doesn’t like to play? I know I do. And knowing that it’s vitally beneficial for our well-being, makes it even more inviting.

But sometimes we adults can get so darn serious, or acquire some heavy sense of self-importance, or feel so burdened with the weight of our individual worlds (not to mention the world at large) that we don’t make room, or forget to make time, or heaven forbid lose the ability, to be playful.

By continuing to “play” throughout our lives though, we increase our brain’s learning capacity and become more productive. We’re more balanced, happier and well adjusted. We work better, and we live better. And seriously, it’s a lot more fun.

As Stuart Brown talks about in the video below, “play” seems to be its own separate biological entity. It’s inborn. It has a great evolutionary purpose. And this I believe to be 100% true. Yet there really is no particular purpose to play other than the purpose TO play.  The point is to have fun. And the benefits are in the side-effects: pure, unplanned, and positively life-giving.

Dr. Stuart Brown’s research shows play is not just joyful and energizing — it’s deeply involved with human development and intelligence. Through the National Institute for Play, he’s working to better understand its significance.

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April 2, 2010 In art, communication, creativity, design, illustration, intelligence By Patricia Saxton

Milton Glaser On Using Design To Make Ideas New

TED Talks (Ideas Worth Spreading) is one of my all-time favorite sources for Great Stuff.  So imagine my delight to find this video of one of my all-time favorite people there as well.

Of course, it’s really no surprise to find Milton Glaser among the TED archives, but I’d not seen this one before. (For those of you outside of the design world, Milton Glaser is the living, legendary icon of the graphic design and illustration world; the guru, the master. A glance at his bio will give you a good overview.)

Having regretfully missed seeing him this week in New York for the launch of his new book, Drawing Is Thinking, this was a sort of virtual, substitute visit.

Milton is a marvel. A man of superior intellect and talent, with a wonderfully unassuming manner for someone of his stature. And as if we need any more proof, he recently received the National Medal of Arts – the first designer to achieve this recognition.

In his 80’s now, he recently told me he’d work as long as he can. Which, as I see it, is lucky for us.

Enjoy the “visit”. He’s a voice, and a mind, infinitely worth hearing.

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November 18, 2009 In communication, creativity, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

Elizabeth Gilbert on Artists and Genius

In this bright and delightful presentation, Elizabeth Gilbert muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses – and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person “being” a genius, all of us “have” a genius. It’s a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk.

 

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October 4, 2009 In business, creativity, graphic design, presentation By Patricia Saxton

Stefan Sagmeister: The power of time off

Every seven years, designer Stefan Sagmeister closes his New York studio for a year-long sabbatical to refresh their creative outlook. He explains the often overlooked value of time off and shows the innovative projects inspired by his time in Bali.

His talk is insightful, enjoyable and worth watching – though for some reason the video wouldn’t embed, so here’s the link:

ssagmeister

Now, my thoughts:  In theory, it makes sense. But there’s that pesky element of economic feasibility and other practicalities / responsibilities.

I did take my own sabbatical at one time – 6 months in a beautiful place, devoted to pursuing other aspects of my creativity. It was a time when I felt I could do it, based on a relatively lesser amount of responsibility – ie;, no children yet. It was a fantastic gift, a treasured, productive time.

As downright appealing as it is, a sabbatical like this would be much more difficult to orchestrate now. And as such – for those who can’t up and go to Bali – it’s important to be able to find and nurture places of growth and inspiration right from where you are.

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